Doubletake: Tracksmith, B.A.A. lead teams at Allen Mello NH 10 Miler / NE Championship

8/24/2019
 
The USATF-NE Road Race Grand Prix headed to the Granite State for the 2019 Grand Prix series' fifth event, the Allen Mello NH 10 Miler around Massebesic Lake in Auburn.  The unseasonably cool 60 degree temperatures with low humidity boded well for fast times and strong competition in the Millennium Running event. 
 
After a win at the 5 Mile championship two weeks ago, Louis Serafini was up to the the challenge at double the distance.  Putting in a move after 4 miles at the first significant hill gave him a lead he increased through the finish, clocking 49:46 for a 1:01 margin over second placer Ryan Smith of Maine, and 1:15 over bronze medalist Aaron Dinzeo of NE Distance.  Eric Ashe (B.A.A.) finished fourth and increased his lead in the individual Grand Prix standings.   Top master TJ Unger placed 41st overall in 56:36.
 
Serafini's front running provided Tracksmith with the gap to win their second team title in as many tries with Western Mass Distance Project matching their second place from the 5 Miler among the 17 scoring clubs. CMS won the 40+ and 50+ divisions, with Greater Lowell and Green Mountain AA topping the 60+ and 70+ divisions. 
 
Overall women's race winner Catherine Beck, representing New York's Central Park TC, was back for a family visit, and the Brookline-Hollis alumna was under an hour for the distance, running 59:25, 26 seconds ahead of New England champion Laura Paulsen of the B.A.A. Third placer Jaclyn Solimine (Whirlaway), timed in 1:00:33, added points to her overall series lead. Kaela O'Neil (B.A.A.) in 16th was first 40+.
 
The B.A.A. open women continued undefeated over five 2019 championship races, with all five scorers in the top 14, outlegging Whirlaway Racing Team by almost 12 minutes.  In turn, Whirlaway led BEN in both the 40+ and 50+ scoring, and added the 60+ crown for good measure. 
 
The series moves to Gloucester MA on September 22 for the 10km championship at the Lone Gull 10K.
 
Grand Prix scoring after 5 events will be posted mid-week. 
Race results at Millennium Running